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Road Records Album of the Week

Dave and Julie's album of the week comes from Ireland's own Vyvienne Long.

The Road Records Review :

"Finally the debut full length album from Irish singer/cellist Vyvienne Long. The much awaited follow up to her mini-album Birdtalk from 2006. The album features twelve brand new tracks including the by now famous track "Happy Thoughts" [featured on a recent tv advert]. Before going solo Vyvienne is probably best known for her work with Damien Rice (both in the studio and live). she seems to have been born with talent oozing from every finger, add that to the voice of an angel and you have one very very talented individual. She is probably best known for her cello work but she is also a mean piano player as you will hear on several tracks on the album.

The album features a truly beautiful mix of sultry chamber pop, kooky folk and string led laid back summery pop sounds. There are elements of the kind of kooky pop of the likes of either Kate Bush or Bjork but this woman does have her own distinctive take on this kind of string led pop vibe. Its beautifully dramatic at times with extra added strings just adding to the overall orchestral feel to the album. It's definitely something a bit different to the general singer songwriter sound and a real understated gem it is too."

*Julie and Dave's Road Records, the amazing independent Dublin record store situated on Fade Street, survived a closing down scare at the end of 2009 but, thankfully, with the help of alot of friends, music-lovers and local musicians the shop is now over the worst of it.

One idea that has helped the lads through these times is a very simple one. An album of the month subscription. Basically the customer pays a membership fee and Road Records post out their album of the month every month.

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